Identifying Key Sentences

This worksheet helps seventh-grade students practice identifying key sentences in paragraphs and understanding their function.

Grade 7 ELA GrammarGrammar and MechanicsSentence StructureKey Sentences

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Includes

2 Short AnswerMultiple ChoiceFill in the BlanksTrue / False

Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2.B

Topics

ELAGrade 7Key SentencesMain IdeaParagraph Structure

7 sections · Free to use · Printable

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Identifying Key Sentences

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Read each paragraph carefully. For each paragraph, identify the key sentence (also known as the topic sentence) that best expresses the main idea. Then, answer the questions that follow.

Paragraph 1: Many animals use camouflage to protect themselves from predators. For example, chameleons can change their skin color to match their surroundings, making them almost invisible. Arctic foxes have thick white fur that helps them blend in with the snowy landscape. Even some insects, like the stick insect, look exactly like twigs, fooling hungry birds. This evolutionary adaptation is crucial for survival in the wild.

1. What is the key sentence of Paragraph 1?

2. How do the other sentences in the paragraph support the key sentence?

Paragraph 2: Regular exercise provides numerous benefits for teenagers. It helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of serious health conditions in the future. Physical activity also boosts mood and can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it improves concentration and academic performance. Overall, staying active is essential for a teenager's physical and mental well-being.

3. Which sentence is the key sentence of Paragraph 2?

It helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of serious health conditions in the future.

Regular exercise provides numerous benefits for teenagers.

Physical activity also boosts mood and can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Overall, staying active is essential for a teenager's physical and mental well-being.

Paragraph 3: To make a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you need a few key ingredients. First, gather two slices of bread, your favorite peanut butter, and a jar of jelly. Spread a generous amount of peanut butter on one slice of bread and jelly on the other. Carefully press the two slices together, and your sandwich is ready to enjoy. Making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a simple process.

4. The key sentence of Paragraph 3 is: .

5. A key sentence always appears at the beginning of a paragraph.

True

False

6. Write a key sentence for a paragraph about the benefits of reading for pleasure.

7. Write a key sentence for a paragraph describing a significant historical event.